Paisano Grant facts for kids

The Paisano Grant was a large piece of land given out in South Texas a long time ago. It was one of many land grants made by the Spanish and Mexican governments between 1797 and 1835. These grants helped people settle in new areas. The Paisano Grant, which covered about 11,070 acres, was given to a man named Ramon Garza in 1830.

What Was the Paisano Grant?

The Paisano Grant was one of about 25 land grants in the Brooks County and Jim Wells County areas of South Texas. These grants were like official gifts of land from the Spanish and Mexican governments. They were given out between 1797 and 1835.

The very first grant in this area was called San Salvador del Tule. It was given to Juan Jose Balli in 1797. Another important early grant was El Encino en el Poso, given to Luciano Chapa around 1827. The Paisano Grant was also very important. It was a huge area of land, about 11,070 acres in total.

Why Were Land Grants Given?

These land grants were given for a special reason. The governments wanted to encourage people from Spain and Mexico to move to these frontier areas. A "frontier" is a border region where new settlements are being built. By giving out land, they hoped to build up towns and strengthen the borders of Texas.

The Paisano Grant helped with this goal. Ramon Garza, who received the land, built a ranch there. He also kept livestock, like cattle, on the land. This helped to settle the area near a place called Los Olmos, which is now the town of Falfurrias, Texas.

Who Was Ramon Garza?

Ramon Garza was the person who received the Paisano Grant in 1830. Even though many families who received grants chose to settle closer to the Rio Grande River, Garza decided to settle on his new land. This area was quite isolated, meaning it was far from other towns.

Garza used the land for his livestock. He worked to build a ranch and make the area his home. This helped to bring more people and development to that part of South Texas.

Securing the Land

Even though Ramon Garza was given the land in 1830, he didn't officially own it right away. He had to ask the local City Council to make his ownership official. He did this in July 1835.

Later that year, in late 1835, a man named Jose Antonio Velasquez paid 25 pesos for Ramon Garza. This payment was for the official purchase of the Paisano Grant. This payment was certified by José Núñez de Cáceres, who was the acting Minister of Treasury for Tamaulipas. A "Minister of Treasury" is like a government official in charge of money.

Finally, a special ceremony was held on April 21, 1836. At this ceremony, Ramon Garza was officially recognized as the owner of the Paisano Grant.